Mobile tobacco receiving station

ABSTRACT

A system, method, computer program product, and mobile receiving station for receiving and processing leaf tobacco at a location of a tobacco farmer, including processing the tobacco leaf at the location, including means for weighing and grading of the received tobacco leaf and, optionally, determining moisture content and transmitting information relating to the optionally determined moisture content, the weight, and the grade of the received tobacco leaf to a tobacco product manufacturing facility over a communications link.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/274,644, entitled “Mobile Tobacco Receiving Station”, filed on Nov.20, 2008, and claims priority to the following provisional patentapplication: Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/989,365, entitled“Mobile Receiving Tobacco Station System and Method,” filed on Nov. 20,2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD

The present invention generally relates to selling and purchasing oftobacco leaf, and more particularly to a method and system for tobaccoleaf selling and purchasing using a mobile receiving station.

As shown in FIG. 1, leaf tobacco is sold by farmers at fixedbrick-and-mortar receiving stations and auction houses. However, suchsystems lack flexibility and do not provide sufficient convenience, forexample, for tobacco farmers located in dispersed geographical regions.

SUMMARY

Therefore, there is a need for a method and system that addresses theabove and other problems. The above and other problems are addressed bythe exemplary embodiments of the present invention, which provide astandalone mobile platform and business model that provides flexibilityin tobacco buying and receiving services to tobacco growers intraditional and new and expanding areas. In an exemplary embodiment, amobile receiving station (MRS) is provided, which can condense aconventional receiving line to about 25 feet and provide the associatedfinance and information services for creating a fully mobile operation.Advantageously, the mobile receiving station and associated businessmodel allows tobacco product manufacturers (e.g., such as cigarettemanufacturers) the flexibility and efficiency to support tobacco farmingin both traditional and new and expanding areas by eliminating thetransport and consignment costs and by providing a secure market anddelivery location for the tobacco farmer. The overall design of themobile receiving station greatly reduces receiving line operations fromabout a 70 foot line to about a 25 foot line, thus requiring a reducednumber of personnel for its operation. All the necessary tobaccoservices, for example, including receiving, grading, staging forshipping, issuance of checks, accounting, inventory update, and thelike, can all take place at the mobile receiving station. In addition,the mobile receiving station has demonstrated significant increases inefficiency of tobacco purchasing, often outperforming traditionalreceiving stations, and thus providing a key advantage to futurebusiness.

Accordingly, in exemplary aspects of the present invention there isprovided a system, method, computer program product, and mobilereceiving station for receiving and processing leaf tobacco at alocation of a tobacco farmer, including processing the tobacco leaf atthe location, including means for weighing and grading of the receivedtobacco leaf and optionally determining moisture content; andtransmitting information relating to the optionally determined moisturecontent, the weight, and the grade of the received tobacco leaf to atobacco product manufacturing facility over a communications link.

Still other aspects, features, and advantages of the present inventionare readily apparent from the following detailed description, byillustrating a number of exemplary embodiments and implementations,including the best mode contemplated for carrying out the presentinvention. The present invention is also capable of other and differentembodiments, and its several details can be modified in variousrespects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions are to be regardedas illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by way ofexample, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of theaccompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer tosimilar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a background art brick-and-mortar tobacco leafreceiving station;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary system employing mobile tobacco leafreceiving stations, according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 3-4B illustrate an exemplary mobile tobacco leaf receivingstation, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 5-8 illustrate exemplary system structural diagrams, according toexemplary embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designateidentical or corresponding parts throughout the several views, and moreparticularly to FIG. 2 thereof, there is illustrated an exemplary system200 employing one or more mobile tobacco leaf receiving stations (MRS),according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 2, the exemplary system 200 can be employed to provide mobiletobacco leaf receiving services, including receiving, grading, stagingfor shipping, issuance of checks, and the like, with respect togeographically dispersed farms 202, 204, 206 and 208, via one or moremobile receiving stations 210. The mobile receiving stations 210 caninclude a satellite dish 212 for communicating with satellite 214, viasatellite communications link 216. The satellite 214 then cancommunicate with operations and finance 218 of a tobacco productmanufacturer, via satellite dish 220 over satellite communications link222. Advantageously, the exemplary system 200 allows the tobacco productmanufacturer the flexibility and efficiency to support tobacco farmingin both traditional and new and expanding areas by eliminating thetransport and consignment costs and by providing a secure market anddelivery location for the tobacco farms 202, 204, 206 and 208.

In FIGS. 3-4B, the mobile receiving station 210 includes the trailer 704and toter 706, loading ramp 1002, conveyer 1004, optional moisturesensor 1006 (e.g., a MalCam conveyer for determining moisture anddensity measurements), scale 1008, 90° transfer 1005, and unloading ramp1010.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are top and side views, respectively, of the mobiletobacco leaf receiving station of FIGS. 3-4B. As shown in FIGS. 4A and4B, bales 1000 can be moved from a farmer's storage area 1001 forreceiving at ramp 1002. The receiving ramp 1002 can operate manually asbales 1000 are pushed in or automatically via powered rollers. The bales1000 can include a “buy coupon” having a unique identifier (e.g., usingbarcode and scanner technology) for uniquely identifying each bale 1000.In this way, once the weight and, optionally, the moisture content aredetermined, the buy coupon can be scanned to uniquely associate thisdetermined information with each bale 1000. The information can beprocessed by computer 1009 and displayed in real-time, including arunning total, for the operator and the farmer on display 1011 in area1007 of the mobile receiving station 210. The area 1007 can be also usedby the grader to grade the bale 1000 for determining the payment to bemade to the farmer. All such information can be processed by a server1013 for uplink to the satellite 214 (FIG. 2). A power source 1015 forthe satellite link is also provided.

Once the bale 1000 has been weighed and graded, and analyzed formoisture content, the processed bale exits via ramps 1005 and 1010 withsuch information added to the buy coupon or the like. The exemplarysystem can then process such information for numerous bales forgenerating a bill of lading for sending the processed bales to atransport area, for example, for truck transport, for transportation forfurther processing, such to a stemmery for stemming, and the like.Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 4A, although the noted information can beprocessed via the server 1013 and transmitted via the satellite 214,such information can also be processed via other means, such as phoneline connections, local area network (LAN) connections, tape backup, CDROM, and the like, as will be appreciated by those skilled in therelevant art(s).

Both the Mobile Receiving Station (MRS) and toter 706 home can includeshore power capabilities as well as diesel generators. The shore powerconnection for the MRS may be provided on the driver's side, just aft ofthe gooseneck. The toter 706 home connection is on the passenger sidenear the aft end of the office.

The MRS can include a 20 kW diesel generator (DG) having a 45 gallonfuel tank (not shown). The 20 kW generator is capable supporting MRSoperations including HVAC in the event that shore power is lost orunavailable. The DG can be mounted under the working deck with anexternal access on the driver side of the trailer 704 near the shorepower connection. A remote start switch can be located in the MRS.

The MRS includes slide-outs for loading and unloading and which remainin the “In” position during transit, and overnight after receivingoperations have been secured. The MRS trailer 704 slide-out can be inthe “Out” position in order for the line to receive tobacco.

The toter home slide-out may be a 1-touch switch, which canautomatically extend or retract the slide-out. The toter home work tablecan be removed and stowed before the slide-out can be retracted. Thetable legs insert into the deck receptacles. The legs may also bedetached from the table tabletop for ease of storage.

Referring again to FIGS. 3-4B, the on/off load ramps 1002 and 1010 caninclude two winch lowered doors with three sets of gravity rollers each.The on-load ramp 1002 is to be lowered to a height that can allowgravity to roll the bale down onto the MalCam conveyor 1006 for themoisture content determination. The off-load ramp 1010 can be lowered toa height that allows gravity to roll the bale off the line to a pick-upposition. The ramps are lowered to the appropriate heights and supportlegs are installed.

The ramps 1002 and 1010 are raised and lowered via electric winch. Handheld winch controllers are plugged into receptacles on the outside ofthe MRS trailer 704. Prior to reaching the appropriate heights, thesupport legs are installed, and the ramps are carefully lowered untilfirm contact with the ground is made. The support legs are installed vialynch and cotter pins. Support legs can be adjusted for uneven groundwith support leg and locking pin adjustments.

A set of transition rollers forms a bridge between the 90° transfer 1005and the off-load ramp 1010. The transition rollers stow in an uprightposition and lower to a down position during receiving operations. Aseries of safety switches are installed to prevent raising the off-loadramp 1010 while the transition rollers are down, and separate safetyswitches prevent operation of the 90° Transfer 1005 while the transitionrollers are up. Also, it is important that the winch cable be hooked tothe ramps in order to avoid damaging the ramps during lift operations.

The MRS can operate in a similar manner as brick and mortar receivingstations. The line can include a controller as used in such stations.

Once power is established, the slide-out, transition, and theon-load/off-load ramps 1002 and 1010 are in place the line is ready toreceive tobacco. A bale can be loaded onto the on-load gravity rollersat the rear of the trailer 704. The bale can roll onto the MalCamconveyor 1006 for moisture content determination and advance to thescale 1008 where it can stop for weight. The weigh-master can advancethe bale to the 90° transfer 1005 where it can be graded using knownmethods.

The 90° transfer 1005 can engage the bale and drive it off the line for10 seconds. The bale can travel across the transition onto the off-loadramp 1010 and wait for pick-up.

A safety barrier should be placed outside the MRS. This barrier is toprotect growers from forklift traffic and bales. In the event ofchemical exposure, a safety shower/eye wash is in the toter home. Thetoter home includes a fire extinguisher. The MRS has external lightingto support operation during periods of reduced visibility.

The heating and cooling controls on the MRS and toter can be similar tothose used in a residential home. The toter home also has a furnace anda ventilation system. The furnace is deck mounted and controlled fromthe thermostat. The ventilation system has separate controls andincludes two sets of windows and fans.

FIGS. 5-8 illustrate exemplary system structural diagrams, according toexemplary embodiments of the present invention. In FIGS. 5-8, eVPNNetwork links 502, Ad Hoc Network Traffic links 504, Procurement NetworkTraffic links 506, and Encrypted Satellite 214 Traffic links 508 areused to connect the various system components. As shown in FIG. 5-8,servers 512, workstations 514, laptops 516, router 518, satelliteelectronics 520, satellite vendor NOC 522, router 524, eVPN network 526,firewall 528, the Internet 530, modem 602, wireless access point 604,manufacturing computing environment 702, and manufacturing servers 802are connected via the noted cables and connections.

In FIG. 8, firewall connections are shown, including personal computersand servers in the receiving stations running a suitable application,such as PCAnyWhere™ host capability (e.g., with no client), andincluding basic connectivity available from receiving station toreceiving station possible at the personal computer (e.g., using HTTP,Telnet, Ping to other devices at the receiving stations, etc.).

In view of the above, provided is a system for facilitating tobaccopurchasing from a tobacco farmer. The system includes a mobile leaftobacco receiving station for receiving tobacco leaf bales at a locationof a tobacco farmer, means for determining bale weight and tobacco leafgrade and moisture content for the received tobacco leaf bales and meansfor transmitting information relating to the determined moisturecontent, bale weight, and tobacco leaf grade of the received tobaccoleaf bales from the mobile receiving station to a tobacco productmanufacturing facility over a communications link.

In another form, provided is a mobile receiving station for receivingand processing leaf tobacco at a location of a tobacco farmer. Themobile receiving station includes means for determining bale weight andtobacco leaf grade and moisture content, for the received tobacco leafbales at the location of the tobacco farmer and means for transmittinginformation relating to the determined moisture content, bale weight,and tobacco leaf grade of the received tobacco leaf bales from themobile receiving station to a tobacco product manufacturing facilityover a communications link.

The systems and mobile receiving stations disclosed herein may be usedin a method of facilitating tobacco purchasing from a tobacco farmer. Inone form, the method includes the steps of providing a mobile leaftobacco receiving station for receiving tobacco leaf bales at a locationof the tobacco farmer, determining bale weight and tobacco leaf gradeand moisture content, for the received tobacco leaf bales at thelocation of the tobacco farmer and transmitting information relating tothe determined moisture content, bale weight, and tobacco leaf grade ofthe received tobacco leaf bales from the mobile receiving station to atobacco product manufacturing facility over a communications link.

In another form, a method for reducing costs of tobacco selling andbuying is provided. The method contemplated herein includes the steps ofmoving a tobacco receiving station to a location of a tobacco farmer forreceiving tobacco leaf at the location of the tobacco farmer,determining weight, and grade of the received tobacco leaf and moisturecontent, via the receiving station and paying the farmer for thereceived tobacco leaf based on the determined moisture content, weight,and grade of the received tobacco leaf. In one form, the step ofdetermining grade of the received tobacco leaf is conducted in thepresence of the tobacco farmer, enabling the tobacco farmer to receivedirect feedback that may be used to improve a future tobacco crop.

Although the exemplary embodiments are described in terms of a mobilereceiving station and system for processing leaf tobacco, in furtherexemplary embodiments the mobile receiving station and system can beapplied to any other suitable products that require processing, as willbe appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art(s).

Although the exemplary embodiments are described in terms of a mobilereceiving station in the form of a truck vehicle, in further exemplaryembodiments other vehicles, such as planes, boats, and the like, can beemployed as mobile receiving stations, as will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the relevant art(s).

The above-described devices and subsystems of the exemplary embodimentscan include, for example, any suitable servers, workstations, PCs,laptop computers, PDAs, Internet appliances, handheld devices, cellulartelephones, wireless devices, other devices, and the like, capable ofperforming the processes of the exemplary embodiments. The devices andsubsystems of the exemplary embodiments can communicate with each otherusing any suitable protocol and can be implemented using one or moreprogrammed computer systems or devices.

One or more interface mechanisms can be used with the exemplaryembodiments, including, for example, Internet access, telecommunicationsin any suitable form (e.g., voice, modem, and the like), wirelesscommunications media, and the like. For example, employed communicationsnetworks or links can include one or more wireless communicationsnetworks, cellular communications networks, G3 communications networks,Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTNs), Packet Data Networks (PDNs),the Internet, intranets, a combination thereof, and the like.

It is to be understood that the devices and subsystems of the exemplaryembodiments are for exemplary purposes, as many variations of thespecific hardware used to implement the exemplary embodiments arepossible, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevantart(s). For example, the functionality of one or more of the devices andsubsystems of the exemplary embodiments can be implemented via one ormore programmed computer systems or devices.

To implement such variations as well as other variations, a singlecomputer system can be programmed to perform the special purposefunctions of one or more of the devices and subsystems of the exemplaryembodiments. On the other hand, two or more programmed computer systemsor devices can be substituted for any one of the devices and subsystemsof the exemplary embodiments. Accordingly, principles and advantages ofdistributed processing, such as redundancy, replication, and the like,also can be implemented, as desired, to increase the robustness andperformance of the devices and subsystems of the exemplary embodiments.

The devices and subsystems of the exemplary embodiments can storeinformation relating to various processes described herein. Thisinformation can be stored in one or more memories, such as a hard disk,optical disk, magneto-optical disk, RAM, and the like, of the devicesand subsystems of the exemplary embodiments. One or more databases ofthe devices and subsystems of the exemplary embodiments can store theinformation used to implement the exemplary embodiments of the presentinventions. The databases can be organized using data structures (e.g.,records, tables, arrays, fields, graphs, trees, lists, and the like)included in one or more memories or storage devices listed herein. Theprocesses described with respect to the exemplary embodiments caninclude appropriate data structures for storing data collected and/orgenerated by the processes of the devices and subsystems of theexemplary embodiments in one or more databases thereof.

All or a portion of the devices and subsystems of the exemplaryembodiments can be conveniently implemented using one or more generalpurpose computer systems, microprocessors, digital signal processors,micro-controllers, and the like, programmed according to the teachingsof the exemplary embodiments of the present inventions, as will beappreciated by those skilled in the computer and software arts.

In view thereof, in one form there is provided a computer programproduct for facilitating tobacco purchasing from a tobacco farmer via amobile leaf tobacco receiving station for receiving tobacco leaf at alocation of a tobacco farmer, including one or more computer readableinstructions embedded on a tangible computer readable medium andconfigured to cause one or more computer processors to perform the stepsof determining bale weight, tobacco leaf grade and, optionally, moisturecontent, for the received tobacco leaf bales at the location of thetobacco farmer and transmitting information relating to the optionallydetermined moisture content, bale weight, and tobacco leaf grade of thereceived tobacco leaf bales from the mobile receiving station to atobacco product manufacturing facility over a communications link.

Appropriate software can be readily prepared by programmers of ordinaryskill based on the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, as will beappreciated by those skilled in the software art. Further, the devicesand subsystems of the exemplary embodiments can be implemented on theWorld Wide Web. In addition, the devices and subsystems of the exemplaryembodiments can be implemented by the preparation ofapplication-specific integrated circuits or by interconnecting anappropriate network of conventional component circuits, as will beappreciated by those skilled in the electrical art(s). Thus, theexemplary embodiments are not limited to any specific combination ofhardware circuitry and/or software.

Stored on any one or on a combination of computer readable media, theexemplary embodiments of the present inventions can include software forcontrolling the devices and subsystems of the exemplary embodiments, fordriving the devices and subsystems of the exemplary embodiments, forenabling the devices and subsystems of the exemplary embodiments tointeract with a human user, and the like. Such software can include, butis not limited to, device drivers, firmware, operating systems,development tools, applications software, and the like. Such computerreadable media further can include the computer program product of anembodiment of the present inventions for performing all or a portion (ifprocessing is distributed) of the processing performed in implementingthe inventions. Computer code devices of the exemplary embodiments ofthe present inventions can include any suitable interpretable orexecutable code mechanism, including but not limited to scripts,interpretable programs, dynamic link libraries (DLLs), Java classes andapplets, complete executable programs, Common Object Request BrokerArchitecture (CORBA) objects, and the like. Moreover, parts of theprocessing of the exemplary embodiments of the present inventions can bedistributed for better performance, reliability, cost, and the like.

As stated above, the devices and subsystems of the exemplary embodimentscan include computer readable medium or memories for holdinginstructions programmed according to the teachings of the presentinventions and for holding data structures, tables, records, and/orother data described herein. Computer readable medium can include anysuitable medium that participates in providing instructions to aprocessor for execution. Such a medium can take many forms, includingbut not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, transmissionmedia, and the like. Non-volatile media can include, for example,optical or magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, and the like. Volatilemedia can include dynamic memories, and the like. Transmission media caninclude coaxial cables, copper wire, fiber optics, and the like.Transmission media also can take the form of acoustic, optical,electromagnetic waves, and the like, such as those generated duringradio frequency (RF) communications, infrared (IR) data communications,and the like. Common forms of computer-readable media can include, forexample, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, anyother suitable magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, CDRW, DVD, any other suitableoptical medium, punch cards, paper tape, optical mark sheets, any othersuitable physical medium with patterns of holes or other opticallyrecognizable indicia, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any othersuitable memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave or any other suitablemedium from which a computer can read.

Advantageously, the exemplary embodiments provide cost savings byavoiding brick-and-mortar receiving station operator charges. Inaddition, the farmers get immediate feedback and information regardingcrop grade and immediate payment via issued checks or electronic fundstransfers. Further, the farmers also avoid transportation costs ofmoving bales from the farm to the brick-and-mortar receiving station.Moreover, the exemplary embodiments provide a competitive advantage byproviding the ability for on-the-spot purchase with farmers who haveextra tobacco beyond commitment to others. This helps in short-cropyears (e.g. during draught conditions) or when venturing with new typesof tobacco.

While the present inventions have been described in connection with anumber of exemplary embodiments, and implementations, the presentinventions are not so limited, but rather cover various modifications,and equivalent arrangements, which fall within the purview of thepresent claims.

1. A method of facilitating tobacco purchasing from a tobacco farmer,the method comprising: providing a mobile receiving station at alocation remote from the location of a brick-and-mortar tobaccoreceiving station, having a capability of: providing a tobacco leaf balewith a bar-coded, scannable buy coupon containing a unique identifierfor the bale; measuring a bale weight and a moisture content for thetobacco leaf bale with computer-readable modules, reading outputs fromsaid computer-readable modules with a computer processor, andassociating the bale weight and moisture content with the buy couponwithin a computer program in said computer processor; assessing thetobacco leaf grade and associating the assessed grade with the buycoupon within the program; and transmitting information relating to thebale weight, tobacco leaf grade, and moisture content of the tobaccoleaf bale from the computer processor to a remote tobacco productmanufacturing facility over a communications link.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising issuing funds for the value of the bale asdetermined by information transmitted from the remote tobacco productmanufacturing facility over the communications link to the computerprocessor.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the communications linkcomprises a wireless communications link.
 4. The method of claim 3,wherein the wireless communications link comprises a satellitecommunications link.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising addingthe information relating to bale weight, moisture content and tobaccoleaf grade to said buy coupon at the remote location.
 6. The method ofclaim 5, further comprising generating a bill of lading at the tobaccofarm with the computer program for shipment of the bale to the remotetobacco product manufacturing facility, based on the information.
 7. Acomputer program product for facilitating tobacco purchasing from atobacco farmer via a mobile leaf tobacco receiving station, includingone or more computer readable instructions embedded on a tangiblecomputer readable medium and configured to cause one or more computerprocessors to perform the steps of: obtaining from computer-readablemodules and recording a weight and a moisture content for each tobaccoleaf bale received; associating the weights, moisture contents and adetermined tobacco leaf grade for each tobacco leaf bale; andtransmitting information relating to the weights, tobacco leaf grade,and moisture contents of the tobacco leaf bales to a remote tobaccoproduct manufacturing facility over a communications link.
 8. Thecomputer program product of claim 7, further comprising issuing fundsfor the value of the bales as determined at the remote tobacco productmanufacturing facility and transmitted over the communications link tothe computer processor.
 9. The computer program product of claim 7,wherein the communications link comprises a wireless communicationslink.
 10. The computer program product of claim 9, wherein the wirelesscommunications link comprises a satellite communications link.
 11. Thecomputer program product of claim 7, further comprising instructions foradding the information relating to the determined bale weights, tobaccoleaf grades and moisture contents of the bales to a bar-coded, scannablebuy coupon.
 12. The computer program product of claim 11, furthercomprising instructions for generating a bill of lading for shipment ofthe bales to the remote tobacco product manufacturing facility, based onthe information.
 13. A system for facilitating tobacco purchasing from atobacco farmer, the system comprising: a mobile leaf tobacco receivingstation for receiving tobacco leaf bales at a location remote from thelocation of a brick-and-mortar tobacco receiving station;computer-readable means for measuring bale weight and moisture contentfor the received tobacco leaf bales at said remote location; and acomputer processor for transmitting information relating to bale weight,tobacco leaf grade and moisture content of the received tobacco leafbales from the mobile receiving station to a tobacco productmanufacturing facility over a communications link.
 14. The system ofclaim 13, wherein said computer processor can receive a determined valuefor the received tobacco leaf bales from said remote tobacco productmanufacturing facility, based on the moisture content, bale weight, andtobacco leaf grade of the received tobacco leaf bales and issue fundsfor the value of said leaf bales.
 15. The system of claim 13, whereinthe communications link comprises a wireless communications link. 16.The system of claim 15, wherein the wireless communications linkcomprises a satellite communications link.
 17. The system of claim 13,wherein the computer readable means for obtaining bale weight andmoisture content are computer-readable modules connected to saidcomputer processor containing a computer program capable of recordingand associating at least said bale weight and moisture content data witha unique identifier for each tobacco leaf bale.
 18. The system of claim17, wherein the computer-readable modules are a scale and a moisturesensor.
 19. A mobile receiving station for receiving and processing leaftobacco at a tobacco farm, the mobile receiving station comprising:computer-readable means for measuring bale weight and moisture contentof tobacco leaf bales received at the tobacco farm; and a computerprocessor for transmitting information relating to the bale weight, adetermined tobacco leaf grade and moisture content of the receivedtobacco leaf bales from the mobile receiving station to a tobaccoproduct manufacturing facility over a communications link.
 20. Themobile receiving station of claim 19, wherein said computer processorcomprises means for issuing funds based on the moisture content, baleweight, and tobacco leaf grade of the received tobacco leaf bales. 21.The mobile receiving station of claim 19, wherein the communicationslink comprises a wireless communications link.
 22. The mobile receivingstation of claim 21, wherein the wireless communications link comprisesa satellite communications link.
 23. The mobile receiving station ofclaim 19, wherein the mobile receiving station comprises a truck. 24-26.(canceled)